California braces for Santa Ana winds and critical fire weather through Saturday
Strong, dry Santa Ana winds are expected to bring widespread gusts and critical fire weather to much of south-western California through Saturday, in a forecast issued Oct. 15 by the National Weather Service.
The forecast called for sustained winds of 20-40 mph (32-64 km/h), with gusts of 50-70 mph in the San Gabriel Mountains in Los Angeles County and the Santa Susana Mountains, mostly in Ventura County. Critical fire weather was also forecast for portions of the Santa Lucia Mountains in San Luis Obispo County, according to The Guardian.
The weather service issued Red Flag Warnings, its alerts for conditions that can drive rapid fire spread, for Thursday through Saturday. A warning summary said there was high risk for extreme fire behavior with any new fire starts during that period because of moderate to locally strong Santa Ana winds from the east-northeast.
The listed event window was Thursday 6 AM to Saturday 8 PM for Los Angeles and Ventura counties, and Friday 3 AM to 6 PM for Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties. High Wind Warnings and Advisories were in effect Thursday through Friday, with the possibility of additional wind advisories on Saturday.
Heat is adding to the risk. Forecasters expected low humidities and hot temperatures, warmest at the coasts and coastal valleys, with temperatures peaking Friday. They warned of a moderate to high risk of heat illness for all populations.
In northern California, nearly 62,000 Pacific Gas and Electric customers across 26 counties were without electricity on Oct. 15 because of wildfire-prevention shutoffs. The utility began proactively turning off power on Wednesday night, Oct. 14, with fire-risk weather expected to last through Saturday.
On Oct. 14, Southern California Edison warned of potential wildfire-related power shutoffs because of strong winds and dry conditions in portions of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern counties, according to Reuters. Forecasters listed downed trees and power lines and power outages as possible impacts from the wind event.
Fire agencies said they were preparing. Los Angeles Fire Chief Jaime Moore said staffing had been augmented and equipment pre-deployed. On Oct. 14, Gov. Gavin Newsom directed early, proactive steps to protect communities and strengthen local fire response ahead of the winds and Red Flag warnings, according to the governor's office.
Residents were advised to create an evacuation plan and plan for power outages, to secure outdoor objects and holiday decorations, and to use caution while driving, especially in high-profile vehicles. The Los Angeles office warned that if a fire starts, extreme fire behavior and growth is expected.
The warnings follow the 2025 Los Angeles firestorm, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds, which killed more than 30 people and consumed more than 16,000 structures.
